Buying my next pistol...

[garyr]

I'm looking to buy my next pistol for mostly target shooting. I currently have a Colt mkiv series 70 (serial number tells me between 1976 and 1980) that was left to me by my grandfather who passed. I love the gun and recently have put about 1k rounds through it with almost no problems (5-6 stove pipes which may have been my fault).

I really like the weapon but don't want to abuse it too much, so I'm looking for something new.

I've rented a few weapons at the range, including the xd .45, glock 21 .45 and a p226.

After doing research on the internet I was pretty sure I would fall in love with the xd .45 but it wasn't the case. I shot accurately with it but I didn't like the trigger (not a huge fan of the glock trigger but the xd version felt much less "right" than the glock). I'm glad I have the option to rent and try a few hundred rounds before purchasing.

I really really liked the p226 for a few reasons. It felt "right" in my hand. I was able to point and shoot very accurately and I liked the .40 s&w ammo both because it is a little cheaper than the .45 acp I've been buying.

Before I make a final decision I wanted to rent and try a cz 97b in .40 but it seems I'm unable to find a rental near me in Manchester, NH.

If anyone knows where I can find one near here I'd gladly travel.

I like SA more than I like DA. Does sig make a p226 in SAO?

I saw the retail price for a p226 on the sig website at $1200...but then I've seen people talking about it being a 500-700 gun. I'm going to call for pricing today but I thought maybe I'd ask what you folks at THR are paying.

I know there are fans of both guns on this board (I've been lurking for quite a while) but would be interested in your opinons between the two (p226 .40 and cz 97b .40) and even any thoughts on why I should or shouldn't go with .40. I'm sure you all can tell me things about these weapons I wouldn't have found.

I'll continue to read up, and try to find a cz to test but any input would be greatly appreciated.

Gary

 

[Ala Dan]

We took a LNIB .40 caliber SIGARMS P226 in on trade last Saturday. It comes
complete with all the accessories that a new one would have; and it appears
that this weapon has been actually fired very little. I don't have a clue as to
the asking price; but I would be willing too bet its not more than $599. If you
are interested, please contact:

FootNote: This is a DA/SA weapon~!

Simmons Sporting Goods
2001-2nd Ave North
Bessemer, AL 35020
PX: (205) 425-4720
Contact Person: Clay Simmons, co-owner/CEO

 

[garyr]

Thanks for the info. I'll likely buy new and local though.

 

[bannockburn]

I don't know-I guess I've never really been a big fan of the .40S&W. I've had four guns in that caliber and none of them seemed to be that consistent from an accuracy standpoint. That and the fact that 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than .40 S&W (although I would temper that statement with the belief that you should get whatever caliber you feel the most confident with).
Likewise I had a SIG P226, in 9mm, that was a great pistol, very accurate and reliable; but I always had trouble transitioning from the DA first shot. So going on what you posted thus far, I would think something like a CZ or Browning Hi-Power, or possibly a Taurus PT-92, in either 9mm or .40, might work for you.